Tech Theatre Finale Lesson Plan Tech Theatre Finale
Comprehensive Lesson Plan
Duration
4 x 90 Minutes
Objective
Students will demonstrate understanding of technical theatre concepts by completing a chosen project: a 3D set model, costume design, lighting/sound design, or prop plot.
Audience
10th Grade Technical Theatre Students
Approach
Project-Based Learning (PBL) with high student choice and practical application.
Teacher Preparation
Preparation Checklist (60 min)
Review all generated materials: Slide Deck, Project Guide, and Rubric.
Organize white model packets (scale print-outs, cardstock).
Set up workstations for sewing, model building, and digital design.
Ensure access to lighting/sound software or stage templates.
Print copies of the Project Guide and Rubric for each student.
Required Materials
White model packets
Cardstock/Paper
X-Acto Knives/Scissors
Fabric Swatches
Sewing Supplies
Design Software
Rulers & Pencils
Glue/Tape
Session 1: Intro & Planning
5 MIN
Hook: Ask: "Imagine you're given a blank stage and a script. What's the first technical element that comes to your mind, and why is it crucial for telling the story?" Connect responses to diverse theatre roles.
15 MIN
Project Intro: Use Slide Deck to introduce options. Explain that this project is their final assessment. Distribute Project Guide and Rubric. Highlight individual work and 4-session timeline.
70 MIN
Selection & Brainstorming: Students review options and select their path. Begin research, brainstorming, and initial sketches. Circulate to approve concepts and answer logistical questions.
Session 2: Implementation
85 MIN
Independent Studio Work:
Set Design: Provide scale print-outs and cutting tools. Support construction techniques.
Costume Design: Access to fabric scraps and sewing supplies. Guide on basic alterations.
Lighting/Sound: Access to computers or templates. Guide on technical specs and mood.
Prop Design: Guidance on organization and acquisition methods.
5 MIN
Cool Down: Students write down one challenge faced today and a plan to overcome it in the next session.
Session 3: Refinement
85 MIN
Focused Production: Continued independent work aiming for significant progress. Offer targeted troubleshooting for creative blocks. Encourage informal peer feedback for perspective.
5 MIN
Cool Down: Partner share: "What was your biggest accomplishment today? What are your final steps for next session?"
Session 4: Final Touches & Submission
60 MIN
Final Edits: Refinements, finishing touches, and ensuring all deliverables (statements, sketches, models) are complete.
15 MIN
Submission: Organize work for collection. Remind students to label all parts of their submission clearly.
15 MIN
Class Reflection: Lead discussion: "Most challenging part? Most rewarding part? Which technical skill improved the most?"
Differentiation Strategies
Support
Provide pre-cut cardstock bases for set models.
Offer simplified lighting plot templates with fixture key already filled.
Provide sentence stems for designer statements.
Extension
Encourage students to create a 3D digital rendering in addition to physical work.
Require a second alteration or complex pattern development for costume.
Tech Theatre Finale Slides Tech Theatre Finale
Showcase Your Mastery
The Big Idea: Choose Your Path
Individual Work
This is your chance to demonstrate YOUR unique skills and technical voice.
Your Choice
Select the area of technical theatre you're most passionate about or want to master.
Option 1: Set Design
1 Concept
Take a provided scale print-out of a theatrical set design.
2 Task
Construct a miniature, three-dimensional white model of the set.
3 Skills
Precision, understanding of scale, attention to detail.
3D Construction
Option 2: Costume Design
1 Concept
Create an original costume design for a specific character.
2 Task
Source a garment and perform actual alterations or additions.
3 Skills
Creativity, sewing, character analysis.
Garment Modification
Option 3: Light & Sound
Lighting Design
Technical Plotting
Color/Angle Choice
Mood & Focus
Sound Design
Cue Construction
Sonic Atmosphere
Technical Precision
Option 4: Prop Design
Organization
Create detailed cue sheets and plots.
Logistics
Plan build/borrow/buy strategies.
Spatial Awareness
Plot placements for stage movements.
Master of Details
"The play lives or dies in the details."
Your Resources
Project Guide
Instructions, material lists, and specific deliverables for your option.
Final Rubric
Detailed breakdown of how your work will be evaluated. Know the goal!
Ask questions if anything is unclear!
Time to Create!
Review
Choose
Plan
I'm here to support your vision.
Tech Theatre Finale Project Guide Project Guide
Tech Theatre Final Exam
Student Name: _______________________
Session: _____________________________
Objective
To demonstrate your understanding and practical application of technical theatre skills by completing a chosen project. You have four 90-minute sessions to brainstorm, design, and produce your final deliverables.
Option 1: Set Design
3D White Model
SPATIAL & TECHNICAL
Description: You will receive a packet of scale print-outs of a theatrical set design. Your task is to accurately construct a three-dimensional white model of this set. This model must represent the final design and demonstrate your understanding of scale, proportion, and construction techniques.
Materials Provided
Scale print-out packet
Basic cardstock & Foam core
X-Acto knives & Rulers
Glue, tape, and pencils
Deliverables
Completed 3D white model (To Scale)
Artist Statement (2-3 paragraphs)
Preliminary Sketches / Scale Notes
Option 2: Costume Design
Design & Alteration
CREATIVE & TACTILE
Description: Choose a character from a play (teacher-approved). Design an original costume, then take an existing garment and make a significant alteration or addition that reflects your design.
Materials Provided
Fabric scraps & Sewing kit
Drawing/Sketching supplies
Garment (Provided or student-supplied)
Deliverables
Labeled Costume Sketch
Modified Garment
Designer Statement (2-3 paragraphs)
Option 3: Light or Sound
Technical Plotting
ATMOSPHERIC & TECHNICAL
Description: Choose a specific scene (2-3 pages). Create either a detailed Lighting Plot or a comprehensive Sound Design plan that enhances the mood and storytelling of that scene.
Lighting Deliverables
Detailed Lighting Plot (Fixture positions, angles, colors)
Lighting Cue Sheet (At least 5 distinct cues)
Designer Statement (Mood & Artistic choices)
Sound Deliverables
Detailed Sound Cue Sheet (At least 5 distinct cues)
Tech Theatre Finale Rubric Project Rubric
Tech Theatre Final Evaluation
Max Score
60 pts
Student Name
Project Option Chosen
I. General Criteria (24 Points)
Criteria 4 - Exceeds 3 - Meets 2 - Partial 1 - Minimal Pts Craftsmanship / Quality Meticulously crafted; exceptional detail and execution. Well-crafted; good detail and solid execution. Noticeable flaws or lack of detail in execution. Minimal effort; significant structural or visual flaws. Creativity / Vision Outstanding creativity; compelling and clear artistic voice. Creative vision supports the chosen concept effectively. Vision is unclear or lacks cohesion. Lacks creativity or discernible artistic vision. Designer Statement Insightful, well-articulated; deep reflection on process. Clear and reflective; explains process/choices well. Statement present but lacks depth or clarity. Missing or provides minimal insight into the work. Time Management Efficiently used all class sessions; sustained high focus. Generally efficient use of time; consistent effort shown. Struggled with time; effort was inconsistent across days. Poor time management; minimal effort during work sessions.
Option 1: Set Design
Specifics 4 3 2 1 Scale Perfect scale accuracy. Minor discrepancies. Noticeable errors. Not to scale. Structure Sturdy; holds form. Mostly sturdy. Flimsy in areas. Poorly built. Detail All details present. Most details present. Missing details. Major omissions.
Option 2: Costume Design
Specifics 4 3 2 1 Sketch Prof. quality/detail.